prdl-70283_de-laudibus-sancctissime-matris-anne-tractat

prdl-70283_de-laudibus-sancctissime-matris-anne-tractat

Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Sponheim: a tetrastich on the most holy mother Anne

Venerable Anne, mother of the gracious Virgin, excellent in merits and powerful in piety: no one goes away sorrowful who honors and venerates you; for you bring to all the gentle aid of salvation.

A distich by the same, which he placed at the image of Saint Anne

Whoever in adversity has called upon Saint Anne with devout prayers will be well protected.

Conrad Celtis Protucius, poet laureate: a tetrastich on Saint Anne

Anne has never dismissed anyone's prayers empty, but, bright one, has always brought the desired aid. Therefore let us heap much honor upon the pious mother, who allows no one's prayers to be without effect.

Theodoric Gresemund the Younger of Mainz: a tetrastich to Saint Anne

Anne, parent of the Virgin, hail, auspicious mother of Mary, worthy to begin the work of our salvation. Since human redemption was begun through you, I pray, continue, by your prayers, to cover our sins.

Rudolf Lang, canon of Münster: a distich on Saint Anne

Great parent Anne, mother of the fruitful Virgin, hear the prayers that pregnant women bring to you in their womb.

Jodocus Badius of Ghent: a tetrastich on Saint Anne

Anne, glory of the world, mother of the mother of Jesus, may your grandson grant you the stars for the merits of your daughter. Holy Anne, bringing forth the first fruits of our salvation, help us with your offspring and with your grandson.

Rudolf Agricola, in his poem on Saint Anne, among other things, says thus:

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John Trithemius. 5 D. 6716.

A tetrastich by Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Sponheim, on the most holy mother Anne.

Venerable Anne, mother of the most gracious Virgin, excelling in merits and powerful in piety, no one goes away sorrowful who honors and venerates you; for you bring to all the gentle aid of salvation.

A distich by the same, which he placed before an image of Saint Anne.

Whoever in adversity has called upon holy Anne with devout prayers, he will be well protected.

A tetrastich by Conrad Celtis Protucius, poet laureate, on Saint Anne.

Anne has never sent away anyone’s prayers empty, but, gracious, has always brought the desired help. Therefore let us heap great honor upon the loving mother, that no prayers may be empty.

A tetrastich to Saint Anne by Theodoric Gresemund the Younger of Mainz.

Hail, Anne, parent of the Virgin Mary, worthy to be called the work of our salvation, through whom human redemption was received by the one who was sought, continually covering our sins with prayers.

A distich on Saint Anne by Rudolf Langen, canon of Münster.

Great Anne, mother of the second Virgin, hear the pregnant women who bring vows to you from the womb.

A tetrastich on Saint Anne by Jodocus Badius of Ghent.

Anne, glory of the world, mother of the mother of God, your grandson, God, through the merits of his mother, possesses the stars. Holy Anne, first parent of our salvation, bring us, together with your child, to that grandson.

Rudolf Agricola, among other things, wrote thus in a poem on Saint Anne.

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Johann Theutheinus

On the praises of the most holy mother Anne

Anne, mother, venerable mother of the highest parent, you who first open the way of salvation to the peoples: all diseases flee from you, and pallor and pain; all harmful things that settle in mind and body; whatever there is among men that wearies cares and hearts flees from you, as clouds, driven by the winds, are wont to do.

Rutger of Venray, regular canon of Heyna, at the image of Saint Anne

Say deep prayers devoutly, with knee bent, where mother Anne sits with her blessed offspring. Do not doubt: you will obtain whatever you ask of her, for Anne shines continually, powerful in prayers.

Distich by the same on Saint Anne

Anne, mother, rejoice in the mother of Jesus Christ, and, we pray, drive every sin away from us.

Rosary of Jodocus Beissel, patrician of Aachen, on Saint Anne, addressed to the reverend father and lord Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Sponheim, of the Order of the divine father Benedict.

Whoever wishes to read this rosary in honor of the most blessed mother Anne, in pious devotion, should first say the Lord’s Prayer with the salutation of Saint Anne, which he should always repeat after two verses. The salutation is as follows:

Hail, venerable Anne, mother of the Mother of God, most pleasing to the Holy Trinity, honored above all women. Blessed are you by the Lord, and blessed is the offspring of your womb, most devoutly born of the Virgin: Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Father. Hail, Mother of God.

Anne, may I, wretched as I am, bring forth your praises; for if you allow it, I shall bring garlands and roses to you. Hail.

Anne, you shine as a venerable offspring of the kings of Judea, and also as one renowned through your pious husband Joachim. Hail.

Anne, long barren, you wept in love for your husband, the unique glory of married women, and their one honor. Hail.

Pious Anne, you seek offspring, not for vain uses, but so that, by holy posterity, it may worship God. Hail.

Anne, a swift messenger from the heavenly court stands by you and says, “Rejoice; behold, as a mother you will have offspring.” Hail.

Anne, you will bear offspring blessed with such great virtue that, as mother, she will shine with virginal honor. Hail.

(Lipsk [1506]: Melchior Lotter d. H.) Incomplete, only leaf Dn-6 present. Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel Kodak Gray Scale

Anne, you will bear the pleasing one whom the world does not contain; the willing God himself will enter her chaste womb. Hail.

Anne, at last from your blood there will arise blood which, poured out, will bring hope always to wretched sinners. Hail.

Anne, so great an expectation befitted your childbirth; it is no small thing to be held the mother of the mother of God. Hail.

Anne, the praises of your offspring will fly above the stars; all ages will bear you as happy by night and by day. Hail.

Our Father. Hail, Mother of God. Hail.

Anne, you are believed to have conceived Mary pure from evil, and soon to have held her holy for God. Hail.

Anne, you carry one other than the figures signified, the one to come, whom the holy fathers sang. Hail.

Anne, you carry the closed paradise, the tree of life, happy and sacred with all the honor of the countryside. Hail.

Anne, pregnant, you carry the garden which the flaming sword of the cherubim guards, glowing night and day. Hail.

Anne, you carry a flower that surpasses white lilies, humble violets, and the crimson rose. Hail.

Anne, in you the Mosaic ark is recognized, and the golden urn of heavenly bread lies within. Hail.

Anne, you carry the bride of the true Solomon, and a house adorned within and without with every jewel. Hail.

Anne, you carry the temple whose inner chambers sweet sounds, music, and every rejoicing filled. Hail.

Anne, you carry the veil, under the beautiful image of the fathers, holding within itself what it bore, which covers the deep things of God. Hail.

Anne, you carry the offspring whose head a golden flame of Phoebus clothes, and whose snow-white feet the bright moon clothes. Hail.

Our Father. Hail, Mother of God. Hail.

Anne, now made possessor of the longed-for Mary, you scarcely contain in your whole heart the joys that have arisen. Hail.

Anne, all the stars applauded Mary newly born, and an unfamiliar radiance flowed from the pole of heaven. Hail.

Anne, it is right to believe that angelic choirs celebrated your child’s birth around you. Hail.

Anne, the deep shades felt your childbirth; then the new light itself terrified the Stygian pools. Hail.

Anne, as mother, you hesitate to touch your daughter with your hands, more ruddy than the sun and than the lights of heaven. Hail.

Anne, why do you fear to handle the heavenly girl? She smiles on her mother; she does no sad things. Hail.

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Anne, you will bear the beloved daughter into whose chaste womb God himself, whom the world does not contain, willingly enters. Hail.

Anne, at last from your blood will arise that blood which, when poured out, will bring hope forever to wretched sinners. Hail.

Anne, so great an expectation befitted your childbearing; it is no easy thing to be held the mother of the mother of God. Hail.

Anne, the praises of your offspring will fly above the stars, and all ages will proclaim you also blessed. Hail.

Our Father. Hail of God.

Anne, you are believed to have conceived Mary pure from evil, and soon to have held her, holy, for God. Hail.

Anne, in your womb you carry her whom the figures marked as coming, whom the holy fathers sang of. Hail.

Anne, you carry the enclosed paradise, the happy tree of life, sacred with every honor of the field. Hail.

Anne, pregnant, you carry the garden which the flaming sword of the cherub guards, burning night and day. Hail.

Anne, you carry the flower that surpasses white lilies, lowly violets, and the crimson rose. Hail.

Anne, in you the Mosaic ark is discerned, and there lies the golden urn of heavenly bread. Hail.

Anne, you carry the bride of the true Solomon, adorned with every jewel, within and without the house. Hail.

Anne, you carry the temple whose inner chambers sweet sounds and every rejoicing music have filled. Hail.

Anne, you carry the veil under a beautiful image, holding in itself the deeds of the fathers, which covers the high things of God. Hail.

Anne, you carry the offspring whose head Phoebus' golden flame clothes, and whose snow-white feet the shining moon clothes. Hail.

Our Father. Hail of God.

Anne, now made possessor of longed-for Mary, you scarcely contain in your whole breast the joys that have sprung up. Hail.

Anne, all the stars applauded Mary newly born, and an unwonted radiance flowed from the pole. Hail.

Anne, it is right to believe that angelic choirs around you celebrated the birthday of your child. Hail.

Anne, the deep shades below felt your childbearing; then the new light itself terrified the Stygian pools. Hail.

Anne, as a mother you hesitate to touch your daughter with your hands, though she is more radiant than the sun and the lights of heaven. Hail.

Anne, why do you fear to handle the heavenly girl? She smiles on her mother; she does nothing sorrowful. Hail.

Anne, take heart: behold, your daughter stretches toward your milky breasts. Hail. With tender hands she seeks your neck. Hail. Anne, you break off delay, baring breast and bosom. Hail. You receive her tender limbs in your tender lap. Hail. Anne, you cherish your daughter; from your breast she draws sweet juices. Hail. With rosy mouth she sounds pleasing murmurs. Hail. Anne, if you knew what great sufferings your daughter will bear, Hail, and how many deaths she will endure, you would now be no more. Hail. Pater noster. Ave Dei. Anne, it is dear to your heart to adorn your daughter with approved Hail manners, and to have prepared her for the highest God. Hail. Anne, you prepare to bring your daughter into the lofty shrine, Hail, but of her own will the gracious child reached the step of the heavenly ones. Hail. Anne, with slow step and labor you follow her as she hastens on. Hail. The ready little Virgin comforts her weary mother. Hail. Anne, why do you marvel at strength in the tender Virgin? Hail. You see not human things, but holy signs of God. Hail. Anne, you are accustomed to give gifts to the poor and to sacred temples. Hail. Now you give that than which no woman has given anything greater. Hail. Anne, when you wished your consecrated daughter to dwell there, Hail, she gladly entered the cloisters and the house of virgins. Hail. Anne, as you are about to send away your holy daughter, you wet cheeks and eyes Hail with weeping; deep love holds you unmoved. Hail. Anne, return home; give your daughter over to the Thunderer. Hail. Let her think of nothing but the Jesus who is to come. Hail. Anne, let your daughter fly through the airy recesses. Hail. Let love, sent from the highest summit, possess her. Hail. Anne, it is enough for two Marys to serve you. Hail. They too will honor you with no small devotion. Hail. Pater noster. Ave Dei. Anne, by your own weeping you have learned to succor one who weeps. Hail. Therefore you too readily favor the wretched with your prayers. Hail. Anne, you are accustomed to overturn the fixed laws of nature. Hail. And so, when you will, let the barren woman be a joyful mother. Hail. Anne, you also stay the gifts of fleeting fortune, Hail, lest, slipping away suddenly, they flee from our bosoms. Hail. Anne, you drive off disgrace; you grant the gifts of fair renown. Hail. You turn back sorrows, and love yields to you. Hail. Anne, you help whether hostile force terrifies someone, or whether Hail the chains of a dark prison hold him bound. Hail. Anne, be present as sure relief for sick mortals. Hail. With you as guide, lost life returns to the languishing. Hail.

Anna, behold, your newborn daughter stretches toward your milk-white breasts and with her tender hand seeks your neck. Anna, you bare your breasts; showing your breast and bosom, you receive her tender limbs in your tender lap. Anna, you nourish your daughter; she draws sweet juices from your breast, sounding pleasing murmurs from her rosy mouth. Anna, if you knew what joys your daughter would bring, and what ways she would produce, you would simply be nothing but joy. Our Father. Hail Mary.

Anna, it is dear to your heart to adorn your daughter with approved virtues, and to compose her for the most high God. Anna, you prepare to bring your daughter to the lofty temple; but the gracious bride hastens her step toward the God above. Anna, you follow quickly, with sensible step and labor; the ready little maiden comforts her weary mother. Anna, why do you marvel at strength in the tender virgin? You see not human things, but the holy signs of God. Anna, you are accustomed to give gifts to the poor and to sacred temples; no woman gave anything cleaner or more worthy. Anna, when you wished your consecrated daughter to dwell there, she gladly entered the cloisters and the virgin house. Anna, about to send away the holy girl, you stain your cheeks and eyes with tears; a deep love holds you unmoved. Anna, return home; send your daughter to the Thunderer. Let her think of nothing but Jesus who is to come. Anna, let your daughter fly through the heavenly recesses; let the love sent from the highest summit possess her. Anna, two Marys are enough for you; the others too will honor you with no small devotion. Our Father. Hail Mary.

Anna, taught by your own weeping, you know how to aid one who suffers; therefore be ready also to save the wretched man by his prayers. Anna, you are accustomed to overturn the fixed laws of nature, and, if you wish, a barren woman may become a joyful mother. Anna, even if you seek the gifts of wavering fortune, let those fallen things suddenly flee from our [unclear]. Anna, yielding to flight, you grant the gifts of fair fame; you relieve the joyful, and love yields to you. Anna, whether hostile force terrifies anyone, or whether the aged chains of darkness hold anyone in torn bonds, Anna, comfort and help of the gods for sick mortals, with you as guide the lost life returns to the languishing.

Hail. Hail. Hail. Hail. Hail. Hail. Hail. Hail. Hail. Hail.

Mother Anne, the sailor calls upon you amid the fearful swell, if winds and wave toss his torn ship. Hail.

Mother Anne, you are ever to be feared by the black tyrant; as ice flees fire, that guilty one flees you. Hail.

Anne, mortal hearts cannot ask you in vain; whatever you will, your daughter and God will will. Hail.

Anne, therefore, blessed in merits and in so great an offspring, great Mother Anne, look upon our prayers. Hail.

Prayer to be said after the rosary

Almighty and most loving God, who deigned to choose blessed Anne as the mother of the mother of your Son, graciously grant that we who honor her memory with faithful devotion may obtain, by her merits and prayers, the helps of eternal life. Through etc.

Here ends the rosary of Jodocus Beissel, professor of both laws, citizen of Aachen, addressed to the reverend father and lord Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Spanheim, of the Order of Saint Benedict. From Aachen, on the third day before the Ides of April, in the year 1494.

A poem by Ade Wernher of Themar on most holy Anne, addressed to the reverend father and lord Johannes Trithemius, abbot.

To the praises of the illustrious grandmother we turn our song; dear grandson Jesus, move the plectra of the heart. Nor may you, daughter, fail the singer’s choir, chaste mother Anne.

Anne, offspring of kings, endures long with her husband, unfruitful, and laments that she is barren. Weeping, she prays for a child, and her tears do not flow in vain.

Heavenly messengers promise offspring; pregnant after union with her husband, then as a mother, she is proved by the child born, through whom our salvation came.

Thus the venerable stock of Jesse grew green; a fruitful rod comes forth with fertile shoot. Refreshed by its flower, we soon live again from death.

By this birth Joachim becomes worthy to stand in the shrines, removing the priest’s reproaches. So, Anne, prepare to carry pure prayers from us to your grandson.

Commend us to the child whom your holy chastity bore as mother; by prayer we ask this, O blessed matron. Christ denies you nothing.

To Christ, who reigns in fellowship with the Father and the Spirit, be glory through all ages; him your prayers, O Anne, make reconciled to us. Amen.

This hymn is sung to the tune of the one often used in many churches on the Nativity of Saint Mary, beginning “Gaude visceribus mater in intimis,” etc. From the castle at Heidelberg, on the third day before the Kalends of February, 1493.

A poem or hymn by Johannes Herbsluterburgensis on Saint Anne, addressed to the reverend father and lord Johannes Trithemius, abbot.

Rejoice, Anne, refuge for the wretched. We pray, we sing, we bring forth songs. May you be gracious on this feast, with your offspring; now we speak praises to you.

Rejoice, shining earth, fertile with grass, and moistened from the rain with heavenly dew, from which first was born in the upper air the Virgin, without knowledge of sin.

Rejoice, you who were of royal seed; now joined to a husband, you had entered upon a lawful marriage, long without offspring, then made a mother by your vow.

Rejoice, you who blushed at the high priest’s reproach; confounded, you call upon God with tears. Having been heard, you receive your husband as he comes to meet you at the gate called Golden.

Rejoice, you who embraced Joachim, glad as your husband came to meet you; taught by a heavenly power, and so, by your offspring, you conceive in the womb.

Rejoice, simplicity wise with angelic knowledge, you who, praised by the choir and divided in threefold fashion, share your goods with the Temple and the poor, and a portion with your servants.

Rejoice: the people of the faithful celebrate your feasts, that, as their patroness, you may make the Spirit with the Father

and Christ the Son, through your prayers, propitious to them, Anne. Amen.

This hymn takes the melody of the one sung for the Ascension of the Lord, namely “Festum nunc celebre,” etc., and of the one for martyrs, “Sanctorum meritis inclita,” etc. From Heidelberg, on the third day before the Nones of February, in the year 1493.

An elegiac poem on Saint Anne by Rutger of Venray, canon regular in Heyna, in the diocese of Worms.

Splendid mother of the virginal mother, of the Father’s radiance and of the brightness of untouched light, hail. You, holy one, bore for the Lord the divine girl, from whom came forth kindly Jesus, the light of the world.

You must steadfastly call the child born of your daughter your grandson, although he himself made heaven and earth. Your grandson himself, Jesus, joined flesh to the highest Godhead; for he is God and man.

Therefore, although Jesus has always existed, still he chooses and deigns to be called your grandson. Do not hesitate to urge such a grandson with prayers, Anne; we beg you, and you will obtain all you ask.

If at first he does not bend easy ears, run quickly, Anne, to your daughter. Let your daughter show her breasts to her son Christ; at once the kindly mother will bring what is desired.

If the matter is very difficult to ask for, let the daughter seek help together with her own mother. My faith is firm, and I do not doubt that at once the Lord will hear both as they pray with gracious ear.

Therefore, brothers, with continual prayers we ought to seek the help of Anne and Mary together. It is established that, if you honor the mother of the Lord’s mother, you yourself also revere the titles of the Virgin Mother.

Again, if you venerate the mother of the Lord, it becomes clear that you prepare praises for the Lord in his mother. To Anne’s daughter-born Son be praise, power, and honor, and to the highest Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A Sapphic poem by Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Spanheim, on the day of Saint Anne.

Let us celebrate the feasts of sacred Anne,

rich through the merits of her exalted mother, who bore the parent of the Son of God the Father for the world.

Her life, always to be venerated by us, is rightly praised as blessed, marked by a gift, bringing comfort to afflicted minds.

She heals the weak, purges all evils, brightens sorrowful hearts with joy, sets in order, rules, and governs what is fitting, and makes rough places smooth.

Mighty, seated in the court of the highest King, she wipes away stains and sins, bestows grace, and leads faithful souls into the stars.

Here, brothers who throng your feasts, uttering vows and praying to you for good things: help, preserve, refresh, and govern us, illustrious mother.

Honor and power be to the Thunderer above, who, one simple God and likewise three, gave the crown of great glory to Anne forever. Amen.

This Sapphic hymn is sung to the melody of “Ut queant laxis,” etc.; “Vita sanctorum, Virginis proles”; “Quod chorus vatum”; “Iste confessor”; and similar hymns that are only Sapphic. From Spanheim, on the Nones of July, in the year of the Lord 1493.

An elegiac poem by Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Spanheim, on Saint Mother Anne.

How great the rewards are that Anne gives back to her worshipers, no one grasps in mind or can speak with mouth. She drives off hardships, obtains pardon, increases adornments of honor for her own, and makes them dwell in heaven.

By contrast, many exceedingly bitter things accompany despisers of Mother Anne; look out for yourself, wicked man. She crushes the proud, casts the powerful down from honor, and often permits them to bear great scandals.

This is evident and remains fixed: Anne offers joyful things to those who honor her, but brings back many sad things to her enemies.

Therefore, men, I warn you: serve so great a patroness; and let the company of women be present together in love. It is plainly established by examples, what we write; let open ears receive what helps devout hearts.

From Spanheim, the sixteenth day before the Kalends of August, M.cccc.xciiij.

A Sapphic Poem of Rutger Siccambri, for a hymn in praise of Saint Anne

We sing your praises, venerable Anne; favor those who praise you with holy measures, obtaining pardon for all, granting the rewards of salvation.

You, Anne, parent of the mother of Christ, shining in the highest citadel of heaven, obtain whatever you ask from the begotten Son of the Almighty.

You heal the languishing; you wipe away stains; you make faithful servants possessors of their vow; at last you grant them to climb the heavenly kingdom.

Anne, approved in morals, you bent the highest Lord with many prayers, that he might grant you to be made the parent of so great a child in the world.

To the highest Father, to the heavenly Son, to the Holy Spirit be honor and power, brightness, virtue, holiness, and strength through every age.

Another by the Same

Let us all resound the diligent praises of Anne, mother of the Virgin mother, with all our strength, from the marrow of the soul, with ringing voice.

She poured forth for the wretched race, stained by the blemish of Eve its mother, a noble offspring, and a radiant beam she brought forth for the world.

This light of the world drove out the darkness of the darkened world, shining upon all with heavenly light, as holy John proclaims in the sacred book.

Anne, mother of the divine maiden,

whose grandson you call the Begotten One, though only according to the flesh, do not despise the praying people.

Virgin, for Anne who petitions on our behalf, give heed to your mother's prayers; you, grandson Jesus, readily fulfill her request.

To the Son of the daughter of Anne the mother, with God, be supreme honor and power; let equal honor be to the blessed Spirit for all time.

Another Iambic Dimeter Poem by the Same, which is sung to the melody of the Ambrosian hymns

Bowed down, let us honor Anne, the feast of the blessed one; due thanks we sing with our voices and with our inmost hearts.

This is the mother of the kindly Virgin, who brought forth the light of the world; this is she who by her virtues made herself most pleasing to God.

She drives delays away; she confers grace by her prayers; she relieves the most dreadful diseases, of body as well as spirit.

And in praise of this one, King of heaven, to you with sonorous songs, and likewise to the Son and the Spirit, we bring forth devout praises. Amen.

An Alcinanic Poem by the Same, which is sung to the melody “Crux fidelis,” or “Pange lingua”

This one, with clear voice, with vows and devout hearts, desires to set forth the feasts of Anne, so illustrious a mother.

Be present gently, we pray, to those praising you together; you are the parent of Mary's mother, therefore most pleasing to God.

You preserved the beginnings of the Law, which Moses once gave to the fathers of old and to the Hebrew peoples.

Wonderful and gracious gifts you obtain for the faithful, by prayer pleasing to the Son of the high Father.

You heal the sick and grant that hearts be chaste. We ask you, Father, and the Son with the Spirit,

that you give joyful things to us as we sing praises of illustrious, most sweet Anne, mother of the kindly Virgin. Amen.

Poem of Rutger, a venerable German, canon regular of Bödingen, on the Book Concerning the Praises of Saint Anne

Whoever you will be, reader of this excellent book, put aside empty fear: it contains nothing frivolous. This book, pregnant with wondrous meaning and sweet with charm, Abbot Trithemius has produced by his art.

Keeping watch over books, guardian of the sheepfold of Spanheim, he cultivates the sacred writings of the threefold tongue. You will find here the titles of Anne, full of reason and art; only turn them over with a devout heart.

He does not pursue empty and doubtful tales everywhere; he teaches the clear streams of sacred eloquence. Therefore, I pray, read with love the worthy praises of venerable Anne, which this learned man has brought forth for you.

Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Spanheim, to the reader: greetings. When recently, at the urging of friends, I had resolved to write something concerning the praises of the most holy mother Anne, certain fathers of the Order of the Brothers of Blessed Mary Ever-Virgin of Mount Carmel asked that I not omit a defense of the most pure Marian conception. And so, persuaded by their prayers and otherwise by just reason, I [unclear] the seventh chapter of this work, concerning the conception

of the Mother of God and Virgin, I have noted beforehand. And lest anyone take this otherwise than my intention holds, I have thought that the reader should be warned. For I know, and it has not escaped me, that many most holy and most learned men once wrote that the Mother of God was subject to the stain of original sin; these men flourished long before the Council of Basel. Granting their opinion to its time, I pass them by entirely untouched, and I do not intend to say or write anything at all against them. But if anyone sees that something has been said by me rather harshly, let it be referred not to those who think otherwise than we do, but only to the obstinate, who, chattering without learning, do not hesitate to call the supporters of the other opinion heretics. And this is what my words indicate, since they mark the present time and not the past. For when I say, “What do the foolish bark? What do the ignorant murmur?” this belongs to the present time, not to the past, and today it reproves the obstinate, not the ancients who held another opinion. And when I ask what learned man has ever written the contrary, I am not speaking of the ancient fathers, but I mean those who, after the determination of the aforesaid council, hold a different opinion. Thus I condemn only the obstinacy of certain unlearned men of this time, not the opinion of learned men, whoever they may be, who hold another view, since indeed I am not unaware of the declaration of Sixtus IV, supreme pontiff.

Moreover, it has seemed to me that faith in the most pure conception in no way departs from the holy Roman Church: she believes and venerates it, as is shown today by clear documents. Finally, together with the doctors of many universities, Paris, Cologne, Heidelberg, Erfurt, Vienna, Leipzig, Tübingen, Ingolstadt, Basel, Mainz, and many others, and with almost all the orders and faithful of Christ spread throughout the whole Christian world, I do not fear to venerate as pure the conception of the Mother of God and Virgin Mary. Yet I do not admit obstinacy, but I wish in all things to obey the Roman Church, as the most reverend mother of all churches. This is the pure and sincere intention of my aforesaid chapter, in which I judge that no injury is done to anyone who holds an opinion soberly and without obstinacy. Farewell, reader.

This letter of the aforesaid lord Johannes, abbot, is missing from some copies through carelessness and negligence; nevertheless, he ordered it to be added to all copies and decreed that it be regarded as added to each one.